Jessica Gardner, the wife of former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner, celebrated her first Mother’s Day since the sudden death of her youngest son, Miller.
On Sunday, May 11, Jessica posted a snuggly photo of herself and her oldest son, Hunter, via her Instagram Story.
“I love you,” Jessica wrote, as the mother and son smiled for the camera.
Hunter, 16, reposted the photo to his own Instagram Story, writing, “Best mom ever ❤️❤️.”
The Gardner family was vacationing together in Costa Rica when Miller died of exposure to poisonous gases, including carbon monoxide, on March 21.
Miller’s death was announced in a family statement, released by the Yankees, on March 23.
“With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller,” the statement read. “He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation. We have so many questions and so few answers at this point, but we do know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21st.”
The statement continued, “Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile. He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day. We are so thankful to all who have reached out to offer support and encouragement during this difficult time and we are confident our faith, family, and friends will help us navigate this unimaginable loss. Our prayers go out to Miller’s teammates and friends, as well as to all other families who have lost a child far too soon as we share their grief.”
Miller’s cause of death was confirmed by Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigative Agency (OIJ) on April 2.
“In this particular case, a strictly scientific investigation was carried out, which allowed the real truth of the facts to be determined,” OIJ General Director Randall Zúñiga told Us Weekly in a statement. “In fact, during the autopsy, the organs of young Gardner showed a very specific layer that forms when a person dies from carbon monoxide poisoning or gas inhalation. That emphysema was both visible and very noticeable during the autopsy.”
Hunter has done his best to return to some normalcy since his brother’s tragic death.
The sophomore at Pinewood Prep Academy in Summerville, South Carolina showed off some pictures from prom, which he attended with his girlfriend and a group of friends, via Instagram last month.
